Today's Word

"We boarded a ship from Adramyttium that was bound for Ephesus and ports west. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, went with us.  The next day we put in at Sidon. Julius treated Paul most decently—let him get off the ship and enjoy the hospitality of his friends there.” Acts 27:2-3

Today's Reflection
 
Psychologist Paul Tournier once said, “There are two things we cannot do alone; one is to be married. The other is to be a Christian”.   

Chapter 27 records Paul’s dangerous voyage and ultimate shipwreck on his way to Rome. It is worth noticing that Paul never traveled alone. He was constantly teamed up with other people. Julius, Luke (we in vs. 2) and Aristarchus were of huge help to Paul.    When his ship crashed in Malta, the Maltesians helped him including Publius the chief official. The assistance from many, many others continued once he got to Rome.

The point is this: Everyone, even the great apostle Paul, needs others. Do you have people you can rely on for encouragement? for insight? for advice?  for help? Are you involved with a fellowship of believers where you can both give and receive?  Ironically two of the great obstacles to Biblical dependence and community are time pressure and fatigue, yet there is empirical evidence that the best way to address those obstacles is to participate in exactly that which they prevent, connection to others in biblical community where you share your life and your faith in connection with other believers. Do you have that in your life?

Prayer

“Father, help me to make the time necessary to connect with other believers in a way that draws me both into your family and out of myself. Please connect me in community where I can be known and vulnerable, yet where I can also grow and become stronger through a loving community of believers. Amen”